Board of Directors

Lake O’Hara Trails Club Board of Directors
2017 – 2018

Leslie Taylor, President (Banff)Leslie grew up as a nomadic “army brat”, but has put down her roots in Banff since 1981. Her work background is varied: Parks Canada, the mountain culture division of The Banff Centre, two terms as Banff mayor and two terms as a Banff councillor, interspersed over almost three decades with her work as a contract facilitator and trainer. Leslie loves Lake O’Hara for its landscape, but also for the wonderful people who have been part of its history. She’s happy to volunteer her time to further their legacy and to continue the protection of this special place.

Caroline Marion, Vice President (Canmore)Caroline joined Parks Canada in Winnipeg in 1993, working in various capacities for the Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Northwest Territories Regional Office, including as Director of Human Resources. In 1996, she and her husband moved to Canmore where Caroline enjoyed 19 years on the Kootenay/Yoho/Lake Louise field unit’s Management Team before her retirement in April 2015 – a short stint as Cultural Resources manager was followed by 18 years as Townsites and Realty Manager for Field and Lake Louise, with occasional stints as acting superintendent thrown in for extra entertainment. Caroline is a heavy user of park and area trails in both summer and winter, and she and her husband Doug are taking full advantage of retirement to explore Canada and the world. Caroline also volunteers for the Rocky Mountain Section of the Alpine Club of Canada, the ACMG, and the Canmore Folk Festival.

John de Bruyn, Treasurer (Calgary)Having hiked at Lake O’Hara and elsewhere in the Canadian Rockies for the last 30 years, John realizes how precious Lake O’Hara is, and how we all have an opportunity and obligation to keep it in its pristine condition. This core vision of the Trails Club is the reason John is happy to contribute to the board with his financial background.

Susan Webb, Secretary, Trails Committee Chair (Canmore)Sue is never happier than when out hiking, so a position on the Trails Club Board was a natural fit. Born in Banff, Sue recalls many happy hiking trips to O’Hara with her family. She worked as a recreation programmer and planner with the Town of Banff for 26 years before retiring to spend as much time outdoors as possible. Trail design, construction, and signage are particular interests for Sue.

Deb Hornsby, Newsletter Editor (Banff)Debra Hornsby worked in communications for over 30 years, including stints as a CBC Radio producer, Public Information Manager at the Town of Banff, and as Director of Communications at The Banff Centre. In 2012, she came to her senses and retired, and now spends her time hiking, skiing, biking and running. When she isn’t heading down a trail, she works part-time as road warrior for the Banff Mountain Film Festival. She counts Lake O’Hara and its trails as one of her favourite places in the world.

Klaus Exner (Calgary)Klaus grew up in Red Deer, Alberta, attended university in Edmonton and has lived in Calgary since 1976. He has always been drawn to the mountains but has been especially able to pursue this passion since retiring from the pipeline industry in 2006. He and his wife Bette have traveled and hiked in the Andes and the Alps as well as many spectacular places in western Canada, but they return to Lake O’Hara annually. Klaus first became involved with LOTC in 2007 and has been Director at large, Secretary and, since 2010, President of the Club.

Alison Millar (Canmore)Alison has had the privilege of calling Lake O’Hara home for the past 20 years. Her primary responsibility with LOTC over that time has been keeping Le Relais operational in the summer months. The highlight continues to be working alongside a fantastic group of LOTC Board members, all committed to helping preserve and maintain this very special place.

Dan Verrall (Canmore)Dan first came to the O’Hara area in 1965 as a 12 year old, attending a family camp at the Alpine Club of Canada’s Elizabeth Parker Hut and climbing Mt. Schaffer, an experience that initiated his love for the area. After school and university years, Dan moved to Banff and began working as an apprentice electrician. By 1984, Dan was working full time with the ACC managing the Clubhouse in Canmore. That was the start of 22 years of work with as ACC Facilities Maintenance Manager, looking after the back country cabins (numbering 6 when he started and expanding to 24 during his tenure) and making regular visits to the Elizabeth Parker and Wiwaxy Huts, as well as the Abbots Pass Hut. After 7 years being involved as a partner in a new back country lodge operation, Talus Lodge, Dan is now semi-retired and has time to volunteer. He joined the LOTC Board in 2016 and looks forward to continued involvement with this uniquely wonderful place!

Tim Wake (Bowen Island, BC)Tim lived and worked at Lake O’Hara Lodge for 20 years (1975-1994) and helped re-activate the Lake O’Hara Trails Club in the late 70’s from a few years of dormancy. He learned from Dr. George K.K. (Tommy) Link (the club’s co-founder), met Lawrence Grassi and conspired with Banff writer and historian Jon Whyte, the author of Tommy & Lawrence, a delightful book (available at Le Relais) about the making of the ways and trails at Lake O’Hara. After leaving Lake O’Hara, Tim has lived in Whistler and on Bowen Island, and has worked in affordable housing as well as serving one term as a Whistler councillor.